Installing Decorative Bollards with Adhesive Anchors

A speedy and uncomplicated method for installing decorative bollards

A speedy and uncomplicated method for installing decorative bollards

Reliance Foundry carries an epoxy-like, adhesive anchoring system that can be used to install bollards in decorative applications. The process is similar installing bollards with standard concrete anchors except that in this process, AC100+ Gold Adhesive Anchoring System is used to secure the bollard’s threaded rod. With this installation method, the function of the bollard is primarily aesthetic. This installation method is intended for bollards that define architectural perimeters, create architectural highlights and act solely as visual traffic guidance devices. It is important to note that, with this installation method, the bollard offers little impact resistance.

Installation Equipment Required

Measuring Tape

Hammer Drill or Rotary Hammer

1⅛" Carbide-Tipped Masonry Drill Bit

Small Masonry Chisel

Can of Water for Cleaning Drill Bit

Chalk

Chalk Line

1½" (38mm) Wrench

⅜" (9mm) Allen Key

Chaulking Gun

Level

Silicone

Hammer (optional)

Masonry Nail (optional)

Touch-Up Paint (can be easily sourced at automotive part stores)

Surface Preparation and Determining Layout

* NOTE: Bollards should be left in their packaging until the exact moment of installation

Ensure that underground utility lines and pipes pose no risk:

Because installing bollards requires penetration of the concrete surface, it is advisable to check for water pipes, gas lines and underground wiring. A core drill, in advance of an x-ray, may be required. Taking the proper safety precautions can help to eliminate expensive “down time” and prevent accidents.

Clean surface:

Dirt and debris can affect the line of sight and disrupt placement of the bollards. Use a broom, an electric leaf blower or a pressure washer to clean the surface of the concrete on which the bollards will be placed.

Study site plans:

Site plans are generally created by the architect of the project. The architect will mark the intended location of each bollard on the plan. Ensure that the plan coincides with the site and familiarize yourself with the intended arrangement of the bollards.

Measure the placement of each bollard:

Use chalk to mark the centre point of each bollard. Bollards are generally spaced 4’ apart. Many contractors find it beneficial to snap a chalk line to achieve a uniform look in the bollard row .

Drilling the holes

Create pilot holes:

Use a small masonry chisel to tap a starter pilot hole in the centre of each hole marking. This will prevent the rotary hammer from drifting while boring the hole.

Set the depth control on the Hammer Drill (or Rotary Hammer) to 4”:

Most hammer drills have a depth setting or depth control bar. If depth control is not available, use masking tape to mark 4”on the masonry bit.

Drill the hole:

Apply force to rotary hammer and create a hole that has a 1⅛” diameter and a depth of 4”. Drill on high speed, using the hammer function if available. Check the masonry bit often to ensure it remains debris-free. If the masonry bit becomes clogged with concrete dust, rinse it in the can of water. If an overly hard patch of concrete is encountered, it can be broken with a masonry nail and hammer.

Securing the bollard

Fill the hole with adhesive

If available, blow the hole clean with compressed air. Then, using the caulking gun, dispense the adhesive anchoring system until the hole is two-thirds full. To prevent air pockets from forming, slowly withdraw the mixing nozzle.

Insert the threaded rod

Push the threaded rod into the anchor while turning to ensure positive adhesion. The threaded rod should be inserted the full 4” into the hole. Press a level vertically against the rod and ensure that it remains perpendicular. Ensure that the top of the threaded rod does not extend higher than 32” from the concrete’s surface. It will take a minimum of 45 minutes for the anchoring system to set.

Set the bollard near the threaded rod:

With the packaging left on, carefully set the bollard near the installation position. Then, remove its protective packaging.

Place the bollard over the threaded rod:

Lift the bollard over the threaded rod so that the rod extends through the bollard’s receiver hole. The bollard should rest with the threaded rod exactly centered in the bollard’s shaft. Metal bollards can be quite heavy, depending on the model and material selected. To prevent accidents and injuries, the proper resources should be available to lift bollards into place or onto their mountings.

Set the washer over the threaded rod

Place the washer over the threaded rod so that it rests on top of the shaft of the bollard. Apply the 1” nut to the threaded rod and tighten it until the bollard is secure.

Secure the bollard’s cap:

Remove bollard cap from its packaging. Place the cap on the top of the shaft of the bollard. Then, secure the cap to the shaft by tightening the three set screws with equal amounts of torque to ensure that the cap remains centered. The set screws are composed of stainless steel and the insert holes on the bollard cap are lined with stainless steel to prevent rust. Place the provided plastic caps over the heads of the set screws.

Inspect the installation:

At a distance, examine the plain of view. All bollards should appear to be perpendicular with the surface of the concrete. On level surfaces, hold a level vertically against the side of the bollard to ensure that it is plumb to the surface.

Check the bollard for any signs of surface damage:

If the bollard was scratched or scraped during installation, it can be repaired with touch up paint, commonly found at automotive stores. Abrasions must be covered to avoid rust and ensure the proper life of the bollard.

Care and Maintenance

Reliance Foundry manufactures its products to the highest design standards to ensure their durability. Reliance’s line of bollards are finished with a long-lasting powder-coating. This powder-coated finish will protect the bollard in typical North American climates, however, proper care and maintenance is required. In most environments, regularly-performed inspections and routine cleaning will ensure that a bollard retains its aesthetic appeal and does not become damaged by the elements.